Learn about Thanksgiving

Learn American English Online | Holidays

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It's a tradition on this day to invite friends and family to your house for a large Thanksgiving feast.
Here's how it all began:
In 1620 Pilgrims left Europe and arrived in North America at Cape Cod. Their main reason for coming to the new world was to escape religious persecution from the Church of England. Today freedom to practice one's religion remains an important principle in American society.	Plymouth, Massachusetts
They had a tough first year, but the Native Americans who lived in the area helped them survive.		Squanto, a member of the Wampanoag tribe, was especially helpful.
To show their appreciation to the Wampanoag people for all their help, the Pilgrims invited them to a three-day feast.
feast = a large dinner
Thanksgiving Day is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.		Nowadays, family ond friends get together for large gatherings to eat and give thanks for all the good things in their lives.
Food is an important part of the celebration
Food is an important part of the celebration	Turkey -- alive	Turkey -- cooked

mashed potatoes & gravy	green bean casserole	corn
	Happy Thanksgiving!
pumpkin pie		cranberry sauce